It is nearly time for Fall 2024 state testing at Oak Ridge High School. In order to streamline testing and preserve as much instructional time as possible, we will use modified schedules for our testing days. If a student is enrolled in the tested subject area for the day, the student will begin school and testing at 7:50 a.m. If a student is NOT enrolled in the tested subject (s) for that day, the student may arrive after testing concludes. All classes will meet on an abbreviated schedule each day following testing. Attendance to these classes is mandatory for all students. Students will test online this year using their school devices. Please remind students to charge and restart devices prior to testing. The buses will run on the normal schedule. If a student does not have a test and arrives to school before regular classes begin, the student will report to the food court and remain until testing is over. Breakfast and lunch will be served. There will be very limited make up testing for the TN Ready this semester. Students must have a valid excuse to miss their scheduled EOC.

Jostens will be doing a Cyber Monday yearbook special starting Sunday December 1 at midnight that will go through Monday December 2 at midnight. If you purchase a yearbook during this time off the Jostens website the price will go back down to $65.00. Additionally, the yearbook pricing increase has been delayed until January 1st at which time the price will increase to $80. Go to Jostens.com and take advantage of the discount!

The FAFSA help night for November 7th will be cancelled since the FAFSA will not be open until December.

We will still offer help on 12/12/24 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm and 1/21/25 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.

You will need to create your FSA IDs at least three days prior to starting on your FAFSA if you plan to come to a help session.

It's time for holiday concerts! Come out to hear the music of the season in the ORHS Performing Arts Center.

ORCHESTRA - December 10th @ 7:00 pm - Free concert

CHORUS - December 12th @ 7:00 pm, Tickets are $3 for adults and $1 for students

WILDBAND - December 17th; more info coming

Gabriel Stephenson came to school early on November 19th with a rake in hand. His motive was to clean up the leaves on the side of the road coming down to the Turnpike. I have complained that the leaves are stopping the water from draining into the drain and causing a huge amount of water for the students and myself to stand in at the Cross Walk. What a beautiful job he did and I do hope it was noticed. I can't tell you how much I appreciate the initiative of a young man to do Community Service such as this before school and how fortunate Oak Ridge High is to have such a young man.

Our cadets competed in a drill competition today at Cocke County High School against Bearden, Cocke County, David Crockett, Volunteer, and Cherokee High Schools. Our cadets did great by placing:

1st in Unarmed Exhibition Drill, 1st in Armed Regulation Drill, 2nd in Unarmed Regulation Drill, 2nd in Academics, 2nd in Athletics, 3rd in Personnel Inspection, 2nd Place Overall

The following cadet individually medaled in the athletic events:

Evelyn Bonner - Top female in sit-ups, Colton Troy, Matthew Azel, Hope May, Michael Finstad, and Morgan Snyder

The following placed in precision drill:

Jada Jackson, Keeley Burnham, Morgan Snyder

Please come out to El Jinete in Oak Ridge on Wednesday, December 11th from 5:00-9:00 to support the WildBand! Enjoy food, friends and fun, and don’t forget to tell them you are with the band!

FCCLA is selling poinsettias. Attached is a form that you can look at for colors.

Available colors: Winter Rose, Red, White, Marble, Pink, Red Glitter, Pink Variegated

Sizes: Large ($13) Extra Large ($23)

Poinsettias will arrive December 9.

Orders are due to Bev Sparks by December 2.

This week, ORHS Spanish 4 students and students from Colegio San José in Córdoba, Argentina connected across the digital divide in an online collaboration to discuss environmental issues and innovative solutions. During the virtual session, students shared information regarding their environmental concerns, programs and organizations within their schools and cities, and everyday strategies for conservation, all while making some new friends along the way. This collaboration showcased the power of teamwork in addressing global challenges and reaffirmed the importance of youth voices in shaping a sustainable future. Stay tuned for more updates on the projects born from this partnership!

The ORHS World Language Department is thrilled to share that Ms. Rebecca Whitehead recently presented at the Tennessee World Language Teaching Association conference, delivering a dynamic session titled "Hitting the 90% Target: Teaching Circumlocution Skills to Increase Oral Proficiency." In her presentation, Ms. Whitehead provided actionable strategies for increasing the use of the target language in the classroom, helping educators create immersive and effective language-learning environments. Her insights and practical tips inspired attendees to strive for the 90% target and beyond!

The City of Oak Ridge Recreation & Parks Department will open registration on October 31, 2024 for its 2025 winter basketball and volleyball leagues. Registration will close on December 14th. Men’s basketball will be held on Monday and/or Thursday evenings. The Co-Ed Volleyball league will be held on Tuesday evenings. The teen basketball (18U) leagues will be held on Saturday mornings and is open to any teen eighteen or younger that does not play TSSAA basketball and is currently enrolled in school. A boys and a girls division will be offered. Teen basketball games are tentatively scheduled to begin Saturday, January 4th with all other leagues beginning the week of January 6th.

Interested teams may obtain registration information at the front desk of the Oak Ridge Civic Center or by contacting Matt Reece via e-mail at mreece@oakridgetn.gov

Anyone that is interested in joining the ORHS Men’s Soccer team, please join us!

Parent Consent and completed physical is REQUIRED

• Tryout Dates: December 2, 5, 9 and 12
• Time: 3:45 PM: Check-in at the soccer field 4:00 – 5:30 PM: Tryouts.
• Bring water!

NOTE: A SPORTS PHYSICAL IS REQUIRED FOR TRYOUTS!

Jostens: The final day to place an on-time, online order for the cap, gown, and tassel set is Saturday, December 14th. Jostens will return on Friday, December 6th to take in-person orders again. After December 14th, shipping will increase to $19.99 per order—so basically an increased cost of almost $20. Currently, the cost of the set including tax and shipping is $57.85.

Mrs. Ledden (tledden@ortn.edu) should be contacted with any questions you may have.

Jostens Class Rings

Any ORHS student may order a class ring. Packets will be available for pickup in the Main Office or from Mrs. Ledden in CS347 beginning on Thursday, October 17.

Are you in need of community service hours? If so, please contact United Church Nursery School at ucnurseryschool@gmail.com or see Mr. Schoolcraft in LC229 for more information.

Any Sophomore or Junior interested in attending Governor’s School during Summer 2025, please see the detailed Canvas announcement on your Class of 2026 and Class of 2027 Canvas Page. Canvas pages include the attached list of Governor’s Schools offered by the state and the Governor’s School Intent Form. To be considered for Governor’s School, students must adhere to the deadlines set by ORHS when applying. Late applications will not be accepted.

Does your student need extra help? Please refer to the downloadable tutoring schedule for our staff.

On December 14, 2024 at 12:00 pm (Wreath Placement Immediately Following Ceremony), ORHS NJROTC will be helping Oak Ridge Memorial Park to Remember and Honor our veterans through the laying of Remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country's fallen heroes and the act of saying the name of each and every veteran aloud. Click the QR code and donate today!

No more waiting for 2 years to go to Germany on a Student Exchange Program!

Oak Ridge High School offers an additional Student Exchange Program starting this Spring!

You are interested in living in Germany for 3 weeks? You are interested in hosting a German student for 3 weeks? Here is the program for you!

The Friendship Connection, Inc.

Students who are interested in hosting a German student from March 31st until April 23rd of 2024 and students who also want to go to Germany from June 16th until July 8th of 2024 should come to Mrs. Nebenfuehr’s classroom CS301 and pick up registration forms as soon as possible. The final deadline for the application (including the deposit) is December 31st of 2024.

For more information go to www.friendshipconnection.org. Do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Nebenfuehr with any questions at smnebenfuehr@ortn.edu.

This is so wonderful! Now we can offer our high school students to live abroad every year!

Parents, every time a student is absent, please send a note the day they return. Failure to send a parent note/doctor's note/court note within three (3) days will result in the day being unexecused. Parents can write 7 parent notes per year. Notes can be dropped in the attendance office, or in the "mailbox" in the Visual Arts hallway. The State of Tennessee considers a student Chronically Absent when they reach 18 absences whether excused or unexcused.

Spread out the cost of your order with an interest-free Jostens Payment Plan.*

How would you like to save over $100 and by-pass the lines for all home athletic events? You can purchase a Student Athletic Pass for just $55 and not have to wait in line at any football / soccer / volleyball / basketball / baseball or softball game for the 2024 – 25 school year. Passes will be on sale in the Main Lobby before school and during lunch

We have a few good visits from college reps this month. All visits are in the Counseling Office immediately after school.

TBA

The Elizabeth L. Phipps Scholarship is in honor of a charter member of the Oak Ridge Alumnae Chapter (ORAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The purpose of the ORAC Elizabeth L. Phipps Scholarship is to provide financial support to an African American female graduating senior from Oak Ridge High School.

DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION BELOW

Below is a list of upcoming dates for our seniors and parents. We have also shared these dates with students on their Class of 2025 Canvas Page and through Parent Square.

We know this is a lot of information and we want to make sure you are always informed. We expect that the meeting on August 27th will answer most of your questions. I know it feels like you are running out of time and the pressure is starting to build on college and scholarships, but we do have some time to help you with this process.

· December 12, 2024, 5:00-7:00 Financial aid completion night - ORHS Food Court (for families that need help - repeated on 1/21)

· January 13, 2025, 3:40 p.m. – Mandatory TN Promise Meeting for Students - ORHS Food Court

· January 21, 2025, 5:00-7:00 Financial aid completion night - ORHS Food Court

• What's happening- Calendar at a glance for this week
  

• Vocal Coaching Schedule listed

• Addams Family audition workshop (11/13) information

• How to Audition for Addams Family

• Next Social Event: Trivia Night!- November 15th in the ORHS Amphitheater

• Next booster meeting December 16th

• Join Masquers GroupMe for club communication

• Season Shows and Show Dates - in the newsletter!

• Become a Masquers Community Sponsor or Season Ticket Holder

• The Sponsor Form is in the newsletter

• Masquers Team Information

• Masquers Important Dates

Attention Parents/Guardians of Wellness A Students

During the course of Wellness A, students will participate in a Family Life Education programming called “The Sex Talk” which is presented by the non-profit, “Let’s Talk 101”. In addition, the "Baby Olivia Act" was passed and went into effect this school year. As enacted, the "Baby Olivia Act," requires any family life curriculum that directly or indirectly addresses human growth, human development, or human sexuality to include the presentation of a high-quality, computer-generated animation or high-definition ultrasound of at least three minutes in duration that shows the development of the brain, heart, and other vital organs in early fetal development. In order to meet the requirements of the law we will be showing this video during Family Life programming. This programming follows the State of Tennessee Lifetime Wellness Standards and School Board Policy 4.2.13. Per that policy, the parent/guardian has the right to opt their child out of participating in the program. If you would like to opt your child out, please complete the following form using the QR code or link below.

If you would like additional information about the program or be sent the link to the Baby Olivia video, feel free to contact Tina Williams at twilliams@ortn.edu.

ART CLUB - Tuesdays in VA 103 after school. You do not have to be in an art class to join.

DIVERSITY CLUB, GSTA – Mondays, after school in the Library

D&D Club, every Friday from 3:15 to 4:30 PM in the grand hall of imagination (AKA Dr. Denisar's room CS329)

INTERACT CLUB - Monday after school to wrap Christmas presents.

SEWING & CROCHETING CLUB - Thursdays after school until 4 in CS328

YOUTH FOR CHRIST - Tuesdays at 3:15 - this is a change!

Parents, all clubs are required to send a permission slip for participation. Please watch for those to come home for each of the clubs your teen wishes to join.

A fast track and field interest meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 11th at 2pm in room LC 327. Every athlete must have a current physical on file and complete the online compliance form to participate. Questions? Contact Coach Sauer in LC 308.

On Monday, December 2, the following students will be attending the State Individual Qualifier in Cleveland, TN in hopes to finish in the top 6 in the Region and go to the State Tournament in January.

Lilly Woods

Jo Eastgate

Giada Moore

Mason Perkes

Lewis Niad

It’s time for the 2024-2025 Schools Buck Challenge! You must register your card again this year! You must register online using your Valucard number & choosing Oak Ridge High School-CDC! Food City took away the option to register your card in person, so please take time to choose our class with your online account! Registration began on September 1st and points started accumulating on September 4th! The program runs from September 4th through May 6, 2025. Go to foodcity.com/schoolbucks to complete your registration and help our CDC class purchase items needed in the classroom.

Parents, before scheduling vacations, please consult the school calendar. Be advised, at the high school, final exams counting 15% of the final grade are given the last two days of the semester. Please consult the calendar prior to planning vacations.

Students getting a learner's permit are required to obtain an SF-1010 form from the school. Please fill out the form below and students will be called to the office when the form is ready.

The Free and Reduced meal applications are now available online in the Skyward Family Portal and can only be filled out by Family 1. Because of this, email notifications only to Family 1 via Skyward, rather than ParentSquare. Paper copies are in the Main Office.

Your student’s Free & Reduced Lunch status will be carried over from 2023-24 school year for the first 30 days of school until a new application is submitted and processed.

Parents, students are NOT allowed to carry medications on their person at school. All medications must be registered with our nurse, Lori Gupton. Registration requirements are in the form below. This includes over the counter medications such as Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Benadryl or any type of allergy medications, etc.

Any student driving to school are required to register their vehicle and leave the parking tag visibly hanging on their review mirror. Vehicles must be registered every year. The form below must be completed and returned to Student Services to Mrs. Viruet. Parking tags are FREE, but required.

Students must register for transportation services via Skyward. The form is located in the Skyward FAMILY ACCESS ACCOUNT not the student access account. Families were sent instructions to email accounts on file throughout the summer. Paper forms will no longer be accepted.

Questions?? Click below to access the Oak Ridge Schools Transportation Website

Parents of the Class of 2028, Mrs. Thompson encourages you to join the Facebook page. The page is used to celebrate the Class of 2028 and provide pertinent reminders impacting this class. Due to security measures, membership is subject to approval. Please answer the questions to join the page. Answers are verified through our student information system before granting access.

Ms. Estep encourages the parents of Juniors to join the Facebook page. Due to security measures protecting the privacy of our families, membership is subject to approval. Please answer the questions to join the page. All answers are verified through Skyward before granting access. Click the link below to access the FB page.

The Driving Center of Oak Ridge has openings for summer driver education classes. Register at Students who participate in the classes receive six driving sessions and will be given the opportunity to take the driving test with the instructors. Upon completion of the program, many families save up to $300 per year on car insurance so the class practically pays for itself in only one year. Call Matt Reedy at 865-719-1816 if you have questions.

In order for a student to take their permit test, a form is required from the school. Mrs. Thacker, our attendance secretary, prepares these forms. Requests are accepted through the link below. When school is in session, a completed form may be picked up in the Attendance Office. However, if school is NOT in session, the form will be mailed home by USPS.

Did you know your teen will have their driver's license suspended due to poor grades and/or poor attendance?

Parents should review this information with their teen drivers!!

Executive Principal - Drayton Hawkins dshawkins@ortn.edu

Seniors - Russ Wise rewise@ortn.edu

Juniors - Beth Estep kestep@ortn.edu

Sophomores - David Foust djfoust@ortn.edu

Freshman - Stephanie Thompson sathompson@ortn.edu

Curriculum Principal - Jennifer Milligan jmmilligan2@ortn.edu

Counselors:

Seniors - Class of 2025 Ashley Bennewitz abennewitz@ortn.edu

Juniors - Class of 2026 Paige Taylor - hptaylor@ortn.edu

Sophomores - Class of 2027 Brianna Ottinger - bottinger@ortn.edu

Freshman - Class of 2028 Heidi Foster - hafoster@ortn.edu

Social Worker: Alison King aking@ortn.edu

Registrar: Rhonda Garrison rsgarrison@ortn.edu

Counseling Administrative Assistant: Amy O'Rourke akorourke@ortn.edu

Link to Website: https://www.ortn.edu/highschool/academics/school-counseling/

Follow our team on Instagram:

Watch for announcements on Twitter: @ORHSCounseling

It is our desire to keep our families informed of all of the activity and awesome news coming from Oak Ridge High School. We have multiple platforms for connection. We encourage you to explore the many ways and provide feedback!

Website - http://www.ortn.edu/highschool/

Daily Bulletin - http://www.ortn.edu/highschool/daily-bulletin/

Channel 1082 at 7:50 AM - Watch the announcements each morning by our Crew! YouTube Streaming: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL9N_azmWeQByrIW6pWLBlQ

INews - http://www.ortn.edu/highschool/news-events/news-links/

PTSO Newsletter - Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1843791015931073/

Website: http://www.ortn.edu/highschool/
Location: 1450 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN, United States
Phone: 865-425-9600